BBC staffer apologises over chimpanzee remark

London, March 13 (IANS) BBC news presenter Chris Eakin has apologised after being criticised for jokingly asking viewers if they saw a likeness between his Sri Lanka born colleague George Alagiah and a chimpanzee. Eakin was discussing a chimpanzee at a Swedish zoo that collects stones to hurl at visitors, and asked: “Can you see any likeness?”

He then handed the mike to 53-year-old Alagiah, who is of Tamil descent. Alagiah looked surprised but laughed off the joke, dailymail.co.uk reports.

TUC race equality officer Wilf Sullivan said: “Even if it was a light-hearted piece, this is supposed to be a serious news programme. If he was doing it in a way to refer to George, then it would be a bit out of order.”

Eakin said: “This was a light-hearted comment with absolutely no other intended overtones. I know George did not interpret it as anything other than that. George and I are old friends… I regret if I have unintentionally caused any offence.”

Alagiah said: “Chris has spoken to me privately and I have accepted his apology. He fell into one of those pitfalls of live TV - the banter that goes horribly wrong. I think it was unfortunate and inappropriate.”

A BBC spokesman said: “It was an inappropriate remark that shouldn’t have been made. We have accepted the explanation given by Chris and he has reassured us that it will not happen again.”